Category Archives: applique

I took an Applique Class taught by Kevin Kosbab of Feed Dog Designs through the Carson Valley Quilt Guild (Nevada). I had done some applique before, but I learned some new tricks and had fun.

Did you know that there are at least three different types of applique? Here are my definitions:

a) Raw /fusible applique – This is the kind I had done before. You draw the pattern on the paper of a fusible web, cut out and iron onto the back of the fabric, which will then be ironed onto a backing material. Then, you can either sew with a straight or zigzag stitch.

Years ago I decorated canvas grocery bags this way and then used dimensional fabric paint around the edges.

b) Freezer paper applique – Cut a template from the freezer paper and iron to the wrong side of the material. Then fold the edge of the material over the template. Then remove the template and sew the folded edges to the background material by hand or machine.

c) Needle turn applique – Using a template mark the material with a water soluble marker. Then fold over the material on the edge using your fingers. Then hand stitch the applique to the background fabric.

Today’s class we used the fusible technique for the feet and beaks. We also used the freezer paper technique for the bird body and wing.

Kevin was good at giving enough details and showing the step by step instructions that I was able to pick up the steps very quickly. I was actually done with my sample early enough that I had another bird cut out before the class ended.